West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou
West Lake, also known as Qiantang Lake, is located at No.1 Longjing Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China. On June 24, 2011, the West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou was inscribed on the World Heritage List. It is one of the first nationally designated key scenic spots in mainland China. It is also one of China’s major freshwater lakes. The West Lake combines natural and humanistic aesthetics. Since the 9th century, West Lake has been an inspiration for Chinese poets, painters, and philosophers. Mythological novels around the West Lake have also emerged in an endless stream, the most famous is the legend of the White Snake, which adds a different kind of mysterious color to the West Lake. At present, SDG goals have been achieved through relevant digital technologies for Sustainable Cities and Communities. For example, the West Lake Scenic Area has built a tourist flow monitoring system, which utilizes technologies such as real-time monitoring systems and infrared sensing. The sustainable development of the scenic spot is guaranteed. At the same time, through high-precision 3D scanning and modeling technology, the historic buildings and cultural landscapes of the West Lake are digitally archived, providing detailed data support for the restoration and research of cultural relics.
Hanuman Uddana Veerabhadra Temple, Hampi
Relief of Hanuman in the court of the Uddana Veerabhadra Temple, Hampi, Karnataka, India. The colour blots on the relief are made by priests or devotees with sindoor.
Each major Hindu temple complex in Hampi had a large water tank which were called Pushkarani (Jain temples of Hampi also feature a small water tank, usually in front and also stepped). The Pushkarani were symmetrical, either square or joined double square. In the center of these some water tanks was a shrine with a statue. These were public utilities, while bathing facilities and ghat facilities existed on the banks of the Tungabhadra river with several mandapa and shrines. The water tanks had steps to walk down and fetch water. The most intricate five level highly symmetric gray stone step well was fed by an stone aqua duct near the Maha Ramanavami (Mahanavami) procession and events performance platform, housed within the royal and court residence campus.
The sacred pushkarani, or tank, located on the eastern side of Krishna temple in Hampi, India, seen in early morning light. An example of water tank design of the Vijayanagar Empire.
The Garuda shrine in the form of stone chariot at Vitthala temple
Yoga-Narasimha monolith carved in-situ at the Krishna Temple, Hampi, Karnataka, India
Hampi, Karnataka, India. One of the many Vijayanagara market ruins in the boulder strewn landscape, with Tungabhadra River in the background
Virupaksha Temple: A 7th-century temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, distinguished by its impressive 50-meter-high tower, which serves as a gateway to this sacred site.
Kisha e Shna Ndout, Church of Laç
The Church of Laç is located in Northern Albania and is a religious site associated with St. Anthony Padua. The church was first built in the 13th century by the Byzantine Empire and showcased typical Byzantine architecture. However, in 1971, the church was partially destroyed by the communist regime led by Enver Hoxha. The church was destroyed in an attempt to suppress religion and religious sites. In 1990, following the fall of communism, the church was rebuilt by Albanians and Italian Vatican authorities. Today, the church is an important pilgrimage site in Albania, where over one million pilgrims visit the church every year. On the shrine's feast day on the 12th of June, pilgrims arrive and spend the whole night at the church to seek blessing and healing.
The Palace and Park of Versailles is located southwest of Paris and served as the royal residence of the French monarchy from the reign of Louis XIV to Louis XVI. Expanded and redesigned in the 17th century, it represents the power and artistic achievement of absolutist France. The architecture by Le Vau and Hardouin-Mansart, and the formal gardens by Le Nôtre, set new standards for palaces and landscaping across Europe. Features such as the Hall of Mirrors, Grand Canal, and geometric garden design became models of Baroque grandeur. Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its artistic mastery, historical influence, and cultural symbolism. Conservation and restoration projects maintain its authenticity and integrity. The official website presents digital exhibitions, interactive stories, high-resolution images, and videos of its galleries and gardens. These digital tools increase access and global awareness of its artistic and historical significance. Versailles contributes to the protection of cultural heritage and supports education and global citizenship by promoting historical understanding. It also encourages sustainable cultural tourism through digital outreach and international engagement.
The Mogao Caves are located on cliffs near Dunhuang in Gansu Province, China. They form one of the largest collections of Buddhist art on the Silk Road, with 492 preserved grottoes containing over 2,000 painted sculptures and 45,000 square meters of murals. The site documents the development of Buddhist art and culture from the 4th to the 14th century, reflecting political, religious, and cultural changes across different dynasties. It also provides evidence of long-distance trade and cultural exchange, particularly through the Silk Road. The Mogao Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for their artistic innovation, religious significance, and historical value. Preservation is led by the Dunhuang Academy through digital projects such as high-resolution mural scanning, 3D modelling, virtual tours, and the Digital Dunhuang platform, which improves public access and educational outreach. These digital efforts support global awareness and help preserve the site for future generations. The Mogao Caves contribute to sustainable development by supporting quality education and promoting inclusive cultural and economic growth.
The Lake District is a cultural landscape in northwest England shaped by glaciers and a long history of agricultural and pastoral practices. Its narrow valleys, long lakes, steep slopes, and stone-walled fields reflect a unique blend of natural beauty and human influence. The area has inspired generations of writers and artists, and contributed to the development of ideas around landscape conservation. The Lake District National Park Authority works with the National Trust and other organisations to protect both the environment and historic features. Through digital tools such as live video streams, people can experience the changing seasons and landscapes from anywhere in the world. These efforts help raise awareness while reducing the environmental impact of tourism. The Lake District plays an important role in preserving cultural and natural heritage. It also supports the protection of ecosystems and promotes sustainable interaction between people and the land, demonstrating how digital interpretation can support long-term environmental and heritage goals.
View of Ullock Pike and Bassenthwaite Lake from Long Side in the Lake District. Photo by Mick Knapton, licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Socratic Dialogue – Ancient Philosophy and Civic Education
In the Agora of ancient Athens, Socrates walked barefoot and questioned everything — from justice and truth to courage and virtue. His approach to philosophy, known as the Socratic Method, was not about giving answers, but about asking the right questions. This project envisions a digital simulation where users can engage in real-time dialogue with an AI-powered Socrates. It would allow people to explore complex ideas through guided, age-adapted conversations: in schools, libraries, and even public museums. The aim is to reintroduce philosophy as a living, public conversation that teaches people how to think critically and reflect deeply. This entry supports SDG 4.7 by promoting education that encourages civic awareness, ethics, and inclusive dialogue.
Stoic Philosophy & Mental Well-being (Marcus Aurelius)
Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor and philosopher, left behind writings that remain profoundly relevant today. His reflections in Meditations are core texts of Stoicism, a philosophy focused on resilience, self-discipline, and virtue. This project proposes a digital heritage experience where users can interact with an AI-generated Marcus Aurelius, exploring topics like grief, anxiety, self-control, and purpose. The goal is to make ancient wisdom accessible to a broader audience and demonstrate how Stoic thought can support modern mental well-being. This concept contributes to SDG 3.4 by exploring philosophy as a reflective tool for emotional resilience, while also preserving intangible heritage in innovative ways.
The Roman Empire left behind incredible architectural and cultural legacies, but much of Roman daily life has been lost to time. This project aims to digitally reconstruct a Roman square using immersive 3D environments and AI-powered characters — allowing users to walk through history and experience a day in the life of a Roman citizen. From conversing with merchants to attending a public forum, this concept brings archaeology to life in a way that is interactive, educational, and deeply human. It connects the ancient past with modern learning by using digital heritage tools to promote critical thinking, cultural awareness, and appreciation of historical lifestyles. This virtual heritage experience supports SDG 11.4 by contributing to cultural preservation and public access to historical environments.